H-Utopia, like the 25-year-old Society for Utopian Studies, is devoted to discussion of utopianism in all its forms, from literary expression to policy analysis to architectural criticism to activism. Our focus is on the forms, contents, and influence of utopian/dystopian thinking.

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Discussion published by Sam Friedman on Friday, November 9, 2018

Olaf Stapledon's anthropology and critical theory

In Last and First Men both the utopias of the Fifth and Eighteenth (Last) Men include an area set aside for rough living, the possibility of death, and in general the abandonment of civilization. Although a lot of the literature on Stapledon (and plenty of other authors) deals with the idea that humans have an animal nature and a higher nature, Stapledon's novel is the only example I know of where having a place to indulge your animal nature is necessary for the fulfillment of your higher nature.

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